East Africa

Africa, a land rich with resources, is often called the treasure chest of natural wonders, and natural gas is among its most valuable assets. It holds the promise of fueling the continent’s future, an intriguing narrative that unfolds as we dive into the depths of potential and possibility lurking beneath the African soil. Natural gas reserves scattered across various African countries not only have the potential to transform the continent's energy sector but also to invigorate economic growth and uplift living…

In the Heart of the Horn of Africa, discussions on Ethiopia's pursuit for sea access have surged to the forefront. It's a matter deeply intertwined with history, strategy, and the sometimes unpredictable nature of regional geopolitics. But why such urgency, and at what potential cost to an already fragile region? The Horn of Africa, familiarly scarred by strife and instability, stands at a critical junction. The potential stirrings of renewed conflict hold vast implications not just locally, but globally as well. The world…

In the ever-evolving landscape of finance, every strategic move tells a story. Take Standard Chartered Plc, for example, a banking giant that's now setting its sights on broadening its horizon in Africa. But what drives this ambition, and why now? The journey began after the bank decided to retract from several smaller African markets. This was a decision that unfolded over a three-year spell. Their strategic exits might prompt the curious mind to ask: what next for the bank on this diverse and promising…

Economic interactions between nations can be as intricate as they are crucial. Take, for instance, the recent developments between the United States and Nigeria, which echo a tale of opportunity interlaced with challenges. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has voiced significant concerns over Nigeria's long-maintained import restrictions. These limitations have notably crimped the market access for American exporters and spread across several key sectors. Shouldn't countries strive for more openness,…

Conversations on Security: A Collaborative Pathway in Somalia In the midst of the bustling and often unpredictable landscape of Somalia, the air at the UN Headquarters in Mogadishu was charged with a palpable sense of purpose. United Nations Security officials and commanders from the UN Guard Unit converged for a critical meeting, a gathering that resonated with shared intent and collective responsibility. This high-level briefing on security was not just another routine agenda. With security dynamics continually evolving,…

USAID's Role in Africa and the Recent Policy Impacts USAID, an abbreviation that might not ring a bell for everyone, stands for the United States Agency for International Development. Over the years, it has essentially woven itself into the developmental tapestry of Africa. From health to education, and from economic growth to humanitarian aid, USAID has been like a helping hand that you didn't even realize kept so many things from slipping. But here’s a twist in the tale: recent shifts in U.S. policy have made this hand…

Imagine yourself at the bustling Kenya-Somalia border, a place where the lives of countless travelers and locals interweave against a backdrop of uncertainty and resilience. The border, which stretches from one point to the customs area in Mandera County, plays a significant role in the lives of those who inhabit this region. Recently, news from this area has been disconcerting. Armed militants, reportedly linked to the infamous Al Shabaab terror group, have abducted five chiefs from Mandera. Their ominous demand? A…

Mogadishu (AX) — The path to Mogadishu is fraught with challenges. Once-thriving towns now lay shattered, with makeshift outposts marking territories—changing hands one too many times, too quickly to remember. A new report from the insightful Soufan Center has painted a stark picture: Al-Shabaab's newest offensive in central Somalia threatens to destabilize Mogadishu. The capital stands vulnerable as Somalia’s forces—spread far too thin—grapple with an alarming surge in militant activities. Since February 2025, a chilling…

At the heart of Majengo, a bustling informal settlement in Nanyuki, Kenya, sits Rose Wanyua Wanjiku. On this particular Thursday, November 4, 2021, she clutches photographs of her beloved younger sister, Agnes Wanjiru. Agnes, just 20 years old at the time, disappeared under circumstances that remain as troubling today as they were then. Flashback to 2012, a fraught year for Agnes’s family. She was seen alive for the last time in the company of British soldiers visiting Kenya for training operations. A young mother then,…

Unveiling Africa's Top 8 Gambling Markets The internet's sweeping reach across the African continent has ushered in a new era for gambling, setting the stage for substantial industry growth. Let's delve into the top eight gambling hotspots across Africa, exploring the array of gambling formats they offer and the fascinating dance between online casinos and regulatory bodies. 1. South Africa South Africa leads the African gambling scene, overseen diligently by the National Gambling Board (NGB). Here, the aromatic blend of…